NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Skin diver apparently drowns off Big Island

A diver apparently drowned on the Big Island yesterday when he lost consciousness because of water in his snorkel, according to the Hawaii County Fire Department.

At about 1:24 p.m., firefighters found the victim unresponsive on the shoreline off Kalanianaole Avenue near Kolea Street in Hilo. A bystander had started giving the man CPR.

After receiving chest compressions, oxygen and drugs, the man was taken to Hilo Hospital. Seas in the area were calm, fire officials said.

Woman dies from fire caused by cigarette

An 81-year-old woman died from injuries several days after her clothing caught fire while she was lighting a cigarette at her home in Maui.

The Department of the Medical Examiner identified the woman as Victoriana P. Fiesta of Kahului.

Fiesta was flown to Straub Clinic & Hospital in Honolulu following the fire May 16. She died at 11:30 p.m. Friday. An autopsy was to be performed.

HONOLULU

Fire damages school auditorium in Makiki

Thirteen fire companies responded to a fire that occurred yesterday at a school's auditorium in Makiki.

At about 11:51 a.m., some people who were in the auditorium of the Hawaiian Mission Elementary and Intermediate School at 1415 Makiki St. observed some smoke and flames coming from the ceiling, Capt. Jerry Spencer said.

Firefighters had the fire under control at 12:49 p.m. and extinguished it at 2:04 p.m. Most of the $60,000 in damage was localized in the crawl space between the auditorium ceiling and roof, Spencer said. About 130 students attend the school.

Principal Teryl Loeffler said summer programs are currently being held at the school. There were no injuries, Spencer said. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Ex-girlfriend claims abduction and assault

Police are investigating a case involving a 49-year-old man who allegedly sexually assaulted his ex-girlfriend.

At about 11 p.m. Thursday, the victim, 32, told police that she was forced into a vehicle by two males who are acquaintances of the suspect.

She said her ex-boyfriend, who was driving the vehicle, took her to Lanakila District Park and sexually assaulted her. Police said the victim had a temporary restraining order against the suspect.

WINDWARD OAHU

Police look for robber of bank in Kaneohe

Police are looking for a male suspect who allegedly robbed the Kaneohe branch of American Savings Bank. At about 4:20 p.m. Friday, police said, the suspect walked into the bank, at 45-480 Kaneohe Bay Drive.

Police said he approached a teller with a demand note before he fled on foot.

CENTRAL OAHU

Man held in alleged attempt to steal purse

Police arrested a 22-year-old man after he allegedly attempted to steal a purse in Wahiawa.

At about 2 a.m. yesterday, police said, the victim, 33, was walking along a sidewalk near the intersection of Maalo Street and California Avenue.

The suspect approached the victim and grabbed her purse. Police said the victim held onto her purse when the suspect punched her. The victim's family members and friends chased him down and held him for police.

LEEWARD OAHU

Knife recovered after alleged death threat

Police arrested an 18-year-old man after he allegedly threatened to kill another man at a bus stop in Pearl City.

At about 9:50 p.m. Friday, police said, the suspect was arguing with another man at a bus stop near the intersection of Waimano Home Road and Kamehameha Highway.

The victim, 48, was also at the bus stop. For no apparent reason, police said, the suspect turned to the victim and threatened to kill him with a 10-inch knife. Police arrested the 18-year-old man on suspicion of first-degree terroristic threatening. The knife was recovered.